Day 13 - The Last Day!
So it was my intention to set off early today, however, I had managed to break the promise I made myself within about 2 minutes of being in the pub to watch the football... yes, a 4 litre 'tower' of beer had caught my eye. I blame it on the Americans, or maybe I was just too easily influenced! Anyways, a couple of those later, mixed with a few rounds of 'arrogance' (an old Uni sinking game I introduced to them), combined with their departure from our shared dorm at 4.30am, meant my original plan of a really early start didn't happen!
However, I was out and cracking on by 9am'ish, and determined to get to Barcelona for early afternoon. I ended up back on the 'Autovia' which is basically one down from a full blown motorway, and is fairly intimidating to be on as a cyclist, but it meant flat, fast roads, and using that and another main road I soon made the coast. Still amazed at the amount of prostitutes hanging out in mountain lay-bys before Tordera! Literally, one to every lay-by, and where there was space they'd occupy both sides of the road. They looked at me hopefully as I passed by, but they obviously had more faith in me than I did, as I barley had enough energy to make it up the mountain in the first place, let alone indulge in that kind of thing! However, I'm fairly sure the truck drivers make regular use of their services, so if something takes a while being delivered to you, overland from Spain... you know why!
I cannot tell you what a welcome sight the Mediterranean was when I reached the coast ride. The last stretch of sea I had seen had been the English channel. Once I saw that in knew it was just a case of following the coast road for 50km plus to get to Barcelona. Which I did, stopping intermittently to take photos and then racing against other cyclists (seemed very popular with other cyclists). I was disappointed to be overtaken by 2, and did my best to get them back, but despite hanging on their tail for a couple of miles I couldn't muster the energy to overtake and then maintain. I consoled myself by the fact they were 'serious riders' dressed in full, team sponsored lycra and even had shaved their legs, so I wasn't too disheartened!
Entering the outskirts of Barcelona was fun, and I managed to get hopelessly lost, heading north into the city, but finally stumbled upon the road I needed and made it to the Segada Familia.
Was great to see Chris there, and he even had a bottle of bubbly to celebrate! We got some photos taken and then strolled (not cycled) back to the hotel!

So that's it... 928 miles completed. 68hrs 25mins spent cycling, and one very happy, very relieved, if not slightly sore and aching individual! It's been an awesome challenge to undertake, and at times has pushed me to my limits, both mentally and physically. However, it's been truly enjoyable, and I am filled with huge sense of 'a job well done' and immensely relieved and happy to have made good on a promise I made a few years back now.
You all know the reasons why I did it, and where the money is going, and a huge thank you to those of you that supported, encourage and gave generously. Remember, if you haven't donated yet, you still can by going to http://www.justgiving.com/barcelonacycle
Thanks to all!